I have a webcomic series on a blog ( http://asylumsquadsidestory.blogspot.com ) - Blogger appealed to me because of the cleanness of its layouts, the fact that it's free, and because it loads fast. However, a few claim my comic archives are difficult to access, and that it would be much better to have a server specific to webcomics. I have to agree it would be easier for the viewer, it's just that Blogger is very reliable load-wise and is easy to upload to/edit. However, if there is a *FREE* webcomic domain site that is as easy to use and looks good/won't clutter everything with ads (unless I want to add ads later), then I could make the move over, and I guess post on both. The blog is also for rants/stories/art.

So what's the best out there for the poor webcomic creator? Anyone? (I also suck at computers anyway, so it has to be idiot proof for the sucky novice - no coding, for example!)

I second the recommendation for ComicGenesis. I also second the recommendation that you just join them all (ComicGenesis, DrunkDuck, SmackJeeves, ComicDish, (shudder) WebcomicNation, Webcomic Planet...) and see which you personally like best. Seeing as you like blogs, you might love Webcomic Planet, seeing as it allows you to run ComicPress, which is a blog extention.

I'm one of the people who loathes Webcomic Nation. Its default templates are as unuserfriendly as you can get, in my opinion. They basically take everything I hate about comic layouts and combine them.

From my experience, though (I've tried both ComicGenesis and DrunkDuck personally, and lurked on the SmackJeeves forums), CG is the best. SmackJeeves' forums struck me as a place I didn't want to join, DrunkDuck's forums are fun but the layout stuff, I do not like. ComicGenesis has quiet, mostly boring forums. I like that. Kez's linked review of the two basically sum up why I chose CG over DD. We seem to meet quite eye to eye there._________________

rampage network (http://www.rampagenetwork.com/hosting/) is free and shiny, drunkduck and smackjeeves are also free, but considerably less shiny.

Thanks!
Yes we are shiny, you don't have to code, we dont force any ads or banners, and you get a real domain.

I was very impressed when I first saw your network, so I try to pimp it out whenever possible.

Though ya guys look pretty awesome, I'm not sure you're the best free host that costs nothing as it is by application and not just any ol comic can hop on by and sign up. If I hadn't been accepted by SpiderForest I might've given you a try next. _________________

Looks like I might go with Rampage Network, as I got a fast response, and they seem to like my stuff. (Now I'm just waiting on what's next, as I'm not clear on the exact process yet.)

Comic Dish, I signed up for, but I seem to be an idiot and can't figure out how to upload JPEG files for pages. Looks like I need FTP knowledge I either didn't have, or knew and have since forgotten. (I'm typing these entries from community centres and web cafes until my setup is back online.)

Interesting thread. I have been looking for somewhere to mirror for a while and this is helping me a lot.

CG is out for me. Even though I do a pixel-art comic where 90% is original art or I have explicit permission to use, they pretty much warn not even to bother signing up if you have "a sprite comic" unless you are Diesel Sweeties. Which stinks because I would have liked to try them out.

If your sprites are all original art or you have permission to use them, you can in fact sign up and use ComicGenesis. The fact is, LIKE DrunkDuck, 80% of first time comic makers go and use Sonic or Pokemon or Final Fantasy sprites, which they don't have explicit permission to use. You don't have to be amazing, stunning sprite art, you just have to be 'I made them all myself'. Pixel art is fine. Ripping video games is not. See?_________________